Chapter 277 Oatmeal and Rejection
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When Maria reached the kitchen, she saw the blood on Vincent’s forehead and hurried over. “Vincent, are you all right? Why would she hit you like that?”
Vincent didn’t answer. He brushed aside her helping hand without a word.
A trickle of blood slid down his temple into his eye. He blinked, his expression cold, and walked out of the kitchen.
Maria was briefly taken aback by his dismissal, but a moment later, a satisfied smile spread across her face.
*****
By the time Scarlett left Ravenshade Villa, daylight had fully broken outside.
The weather was grim that morning–the sky was heavy and overcast, the air damp and chilly.
It was nearly time for her shift, but thinking of Vanessa still in the hospital, Scarlett decided to call Spencer. She requested three days off, and after a brief explanation, it was approved.
Her next thought was to get Vanessa something to eat. She went to several diners and cafés before finally finding a place that served oatmeal she was satisfied with.
When she returned to the hospital room, Vanessa was still asleep.
Scarlett sat quietly beside the bed, watching her daughter’s pale face. Her heart ached, tight and heavy in her chest.
About half an hour later, Vanessa’s eyes fluttered open.
Seeing Scarlett there, she felt a flicker of gladness inside, but she couldn’t bring herself to say “Mommy“.
Scarlett didn’t press her. Instead, she asked gently, “Are you feeling any better?”
She reached over and touched Vanessa’s forehead. It felt cooler than before.
Vanessa swallowed with difficulty–her throat burned as if lined with blades. Her eyes reddened, and tears slipped out.
Knowing she was uncomfortable, Scarlett softened her voice. “I brought you some oatmeal. Try a little, then you can rest some more.”
Vanessa gave a small nod. “Okay.”
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Scarlett helped her sit up, fixed her pillows, and helped her wash her face and hands before carefully feeding her a spoonful.
But as soon as the oatmeal touched her tongue, Vanessa gagged and spat it back out.
Scarlett quickly caught it with a napkin. “What’s wrong, sweetie? You don’t like it?”
Vanessa’s lower lip trembled. “This isn’t yours. I want the oatmeal you make.”
The memory of the spilled breakfast twisted sharply inside Scarlett. She kept her voice calm. “Just try a little for now, Vanessa. I’ll make you something nice for lunch, okay?”
Vanessa looked up at her mother–she saw the tired shadows under Scarlett’s eyes, but instead of sympathy, she felt a surge of resentment.
She was sick, and her mother couldn’t even be bothered to make her oatmeal. Didn’t she care at all?
The thought filled her with a hot, wounded anger.
If her mother didn’t care, then she didn’t want her here either.
Vanessa turned onto her side, facing away from Scarlett. “You can go do your own things. Daddy and Sabrina can stay with me.”
Even then, Scarlett tried to explain patiently. “Vanessa, I’m a pediatric surgeon. I know how these flu cases go–the fever can last three to five days, and the first few are the most important. I’ve already taken time off. I’ll stay with you for the next three days.”
She sounded almost pleading, but Vanessa wasn’t moved. “I don’t need you to.”
“Just one day, then. Just today.”
Vanessa held her ground. “Really, I don’t need you. Go away.”
A cold numbness spread through Scarlett’s chest. Still, she stayed. Even if Vanessa didn’t want her, even if she was ignored, she couldn’t leave her daughter.
She’d rethink after the first critical days passed.
If she wasn’t here watching closely those first forty–eight hours, a high fever could turn dangerous fast. Scarlett had seen it happen–children seized by febrile convulsions, lives changed in moments.
Even if she was divorcing Vincent, Vanessa was her daughter, the one she’d carried and brought into this world. How could she ever stop loving her?
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